Strumble to Pwllgwaelod

13 miles

This could be described as The Last Invasion Trail, as it’s where the last invasion of Britain took place.

At Carregwasted Point you’ll see a stone commemorating the landing of French troops on the 22nd February 1797. This invasion was rebuffed by local woman Jemina Nicholas who, armed with a pitchfork, captured the soldiers and held them in St Marys Church. The whole story has been depicted in a 30-meter Bayeaux style Last Invasion tapestry in the town hall.

This route can be quite taxing as it’s both rugged and undulating, but there are plenty of opportunities to take breaks. A detour into Fishguard to see the last invasion tapestry is well worth it.

Route

Leave your car at Pwllgwaelod and take the Strumble Shuttle to Strumble lighthouse

Walk eastwards over some pretty rugged and undulating cliffs. One bay named Aber Felin Bay is particularly popular with grey seals. You can see as many as a dozen lounging about on a sunny day

After about 2 miles, you come to a monument on Caregwastad Point. It commemorates the failed last invasion of Britain when a force of French conscripts scrambled ashore in 1797. A more difficult landing place would be hard to find!

Another 2 miles brings you into the cliff top village of Goodwick, overlooking Fishguard Harbour. Follow the road down to the village centre

Proceed along The Parrog or seafront and head up the steps on the far side

The Coast Path bypasses Fishguard town centre, by following the cliff edge, but take time out to explore the town. Turn inland after you pass the cannons

The recently refurbished Town Hall has a special gallery that houses the Last Invasion tapestry. It’s fascinating and free too

Once you’ve thoroughly explored Fishguard, head down the hill to Lower Town

This quaint old harbour was where Dylan Thomas’s ‘Under Milk Wood’ was filmed in 1971

Walk up the hill, alongside the main road, until you get to the car park

A short distance from here is Fishguard Fort, complete with the cannons that fired on the French ships, forcing them to land their troops at Carregwastad

After a few miles, you reach a caravan park. Walk straight through the middle

Before you reach Pwllgwaelod, there’s a lovely little secret beach with steep paths down and up again the other side

Pwllgwaelod is a nicely enclosed, gently shelving beach. The refurbished old pub behind the beach is a perfect place to end the walk

If in doubt, follow the acorn symbols that indicate where the route goes